DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically proven Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) HIV-positive by ELISA and Western blot Disease progression within the past 2 months Evaluable disease by non-invasive methods Minimum of 5 measurable lesions previously untreated with local therapy (such as intralesional injections) Ineligible if reduced performance status beyond minimally symptomatic pulmonary disease or other potentially or acutely life-threatening KS present Visceral disease, including pulmonary disease, allowed if the following conditions are met: Not acutely life-threatening No effect on performance status beyond minimal symptoms No urgent requirement for chemotherapy May be ineligible if actively bleeding or critically located KS lesions present that pose an immediate risk